Plan Ahead: Friday’s Storm Could Disrupt Salem District Commute with Snowy Weather

SALEM – A further winter storm is scheduled to hit western Virginia beginning on Friday, Jan. 10, with anticipated effects on the afternoon and evening commute. Motorists should arrange travel around, rather than during, the predicted weather situation. With temperatures plummeting below freezing and chilly pavement, roads are likely to become snow-covered and icy very rapidly, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

Due to residual salt from the earlier storm remaining on interstates and main roads, VDOT teams and contractors will be pretreating only specific areas with brine prior to this next winter weather onset.

VDOT emphasizes to drivers that the primary focus during any winter weather event is the interstates and primary roads (numbered 1-599) as well as high-traffic secondary routes. Equipment operators will perform multiple passes over these essential routes and will refrain from attending to low-traffic secondary roads (numbered 600 and above) or residential streets until the precipitation ceases and strides are made on the principal roads.

A multitude of secondary roads in western Virginia still remain icy and snow-covered from prior storms and freezing temps. VDOT will strive to make roads navigable, but motorists should not anticipate clear pavement. Temperatures must elevate above freezing before icy conditions no longer impact travel.

Travelers can access up-to-the-minute information about road conditions, traffic incidents, and congestion on Virginia roads by utilizing VDOT’s free 511 mobile application or phone service, or visiting the 511 website at www.511.VDOT.Virginia.gov, which aids travelers in planning their routes appropriately.

For additional updates on local conditions in our region, connect with us in our Facebook Community for the Salem District at https://www.facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem or on Twitter @VaDOTSalem.

The Salem District encompasses the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.

For inquiries or to report dangerous road conditions, reach out to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or dialing 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).